Mr. Bush -
In response to the discovery that DoJ went ahead and authorized torture even in the wake of your fatuous declaration that our country does not torture (as, indeed, it never should), your spokesperson had this to say:
White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino confirmed the existence of the February 2005 opinion, but she says all procedures used by U.S. interrogators are tough, safe, necessary, and lawful.
"The policy of the United States is not to torture," Perino said. "The president has not authorized it. He will not authorize it. But he has done everything within the corners of the law to make sure that we prevent another attack on this country, which is what we have done in this administration."
Perino says she will not comment specifically as to whether simulated drowning constitutes torture because discussing any specific interrogation techniques would allow the enemy to train against them.
I quote here from Voice of America, a source I hope you have the sense to trust is not conspiring against you.
Ms. Perino's answer is, in truth, no answer at all. She can't comment on whether something is or is not torture because people may train against it if she does? Seriously?
Maybe I should switch to a new career as a criminal defense attorney. When someone asks if my client is guilty of murder, I'll say that I can't comment on that nor can it be openly discussed, as it might inform others about the practice of murder (or not -- after all, if I don't comment, who's to know what my imaginary client did?).
Shoving someone's head under water until they nearly drown is torture, you dim, immoral excuse for a man. Marching Ms. Perino out and sticking her with the unfortunate job of trying to deflect an all-too-deflectable press corps is a sad, yet accurate, commentary on how little you have in common with the American citizens you regularly endanger by tarnishing our country's reputation for freedom and justice with your tawdry pretense of national defense.
Your answer, as told by Ms. Perino, was no answer at all. Try again.
(Sent today.)